SGEIRS -Chapter 296 Plans Fall Through

The gossip from Qingyu Courtyard was treated by the masters and mistresses of the various residences as mere entertainment—something to listen to for amusement.

In the blink of an eye, New Year’s Eve arrived.

The whole extended family gathered for a lavish reunion dinner. Young and old alike sat together chatting and laughing, staying up to welcome the coming of the new year.

Gu Jingxi and his two brothers gathered to talk among themselves. Meng Jinyao and her two sisters-in-law sat beside Madam Jiang near Old Madam Gu, keeping her company and chatting about recent happenings in the capital.

Gu Xuanyi and Gu Xuanling had already married and left the household. Otherwise, Madam Jiang would have played with her two sisters-in-law instead. Accompanying elders was always somewhat restrictive—it made one feel restrained and unable to relax.

The four Gu brothers also gathered together, but subtle changes had occurred among them. Ever since Gu Xiuming and Gu Xiuwen had fought with Meng Chengzhang, even though Gu Xiuming later apologized, Gu Xiuwen could no longer treat him as before.

Previously, Gu Xiuming had been closest to Gu Xiuhong. But after Gu Xiuming’s repeated disgraceful actions, even though he had long admitted his mistakes to the elders, Gu Xiuhong still distanced himself. He was no longer as warm as before—after all, they were not the same kind of people.

As for Gu Xiuyuan, as the eldest brother, he naturally would not lead others in ostracizing anyone. He tried his best to maintain harmony, deliberately finding topics that everyone could join in, so that no one would be left out.

Gu Xiuming naturally noticed these changes. He was furious inside. The woman he liked had become his stumbling block at a critical moment and even gave birth to a child. With this burden, when would he ever be able to marry a proper wife and turn things around?

No—he had to think of a way.

At midnight, everyone returned to their own courtyards to rest.

Meng Jinyao yawned and urged, “Husband, I’m so sleepy. Walk faster.”

Gu Jingxi laughed. “That sleepy?”

“What do you think?”

She glared at him, then yawned again. Tears welled up in her eyes. She looked so drowsy that she seemed able to fall asleep standing up.

Seeing this, Gu Jingxi squatted down in front of her.

Meng Jinyao was puzzled until she heard him say, “Get on.”

Only then did she understand. Without any hesitation, she climbed onto his back, wrapped her arms around his neck, and let him carry her.

They hadn’t gone far before she had already fallen asleep.

The second day of the Lunar New Year was the day married daughters returned to their parental homes.

Even though Meng Jinyao’s relationship with her natal family was not good, she still had to prepare holiday gifts and visit, since her second brother was still there.

Gu Jingxi accompanied her.

As for Gu Xiuming, perhaps because he had been irritated lately, he could no longer pretend to be the devoted son accompanying his mother. He did not go along.

This time, Meng Dongyuan did not act foolishly. With Madam Sun gone, he believed his eldest daughter should have calmed down. Moreover, the Meng family would need the Gu family’s support in the future.

So early in the morning, he instructed the kitchen to prepare a banquet, asked around about his eldest daughter’s favorite pastries, and sent people to buy them in preparation.

When Meng Jinyu heard about this, she had another outburst in her room.

In the past, she had been her parents’ precious jewel, and meals had always catered to her preferences. Now her father went out of his way to please Meng Jinyao instead.

As a result, Meng Chengxing also suffered. For no reason, he was scolded by his sister as “useless.”

Since their mother’s death, Meng Chengxing had relied on this full-blood sister. This was the first time he felt dissatisfied with her, and he left angrily.

Only then did Meng Jinyu regain her senses.

Thinking that she would need her younger brother’s support in the future, she hurriedly grabbed his sleeve and softened her tone.

“Third Brother, don’t be angry. I was just feeling miserable. We’re siblings from the same mother—would you really stay mad at me over a moment of temper?”

His anger subsided. “Next time, Second Sister, don’t vent on me again.”

She nodded. “Eldest Sister and Brother-in-law should be arriving soon. Let’s go take a look.”

He glanced at her. “Second Sister, don’t you dislike her? Why bother?”

Meng Jinyu’s temples throbbed. She felt her brother was still stuck in the past.

Rolling her eyes, she said, “Father is currying favor with them now. We have to put on a show too. If we lose Father’s favor, who benefits?”

Meng Chengxing was instantly enlightened.

Not long after, Meng Jinyao and Gu Jingxi arrived at Yongchang Marquis’s Manor.

They found that her father and grandmother were unusually kind to her. Meng Chengzhang treated her well as always, and even Meng Chengxing and Meng Jinyu behaved obediently.

After lunch, Meng Jinyu sought out Meng Jinyao and asked directly, “Eldest Sister, you’ve heard about Father looking for a stepmother for us, right?”

Meng Jinyao nodded. “I have. What about it?”

With sincerity, Meng Jinyu said, “I was ignorant before and often upset you. I apologize.”

Meng Jinyao smiled faintly. “That’s all in the past. Why bring it up?”

“I know you don’t like me,” Meng Jinyu said dejectedly. “I don’t expect your forgiveness. But we’re sisters connected by blood. We should stand on the same side, shouldn’t we?”

Meng Jinyao glanced at her lightly. “Yes, we’re half-sisters. I don’t deny that. But what exactly do you want to say?”

Lowering her voice, Meng Jinyu said, “You don’t want a stepmother either, do you? She’ll be our common enemy. Third Brother and I can’t stop Father. But if you and Brother-in-law pressure him, he might give up.”

Meng Jinyao looked at her strangely and laughed.

“So you want me and the Marquis to stop Father from remarrying?”

“Only you two can do it,” Meng Jinyu replied.

Meng Jinyao chuckled. “How strange. Didn’t you used to say that a stepmother should be treated like a real mother? Why is she suddenly an enemy?”

Meng Jinyu was left speechless.

Meng Jinyao continued mockingly, “Father is only in his thirties. Grandmother is old, and the household needs a young mistress. Remarrying is natural. Do you want Father to live without anyone to care for him?”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyu knew she would not oppose the remarriage.

Her tone hardened. “You’re married out and won’t suffer under a stepmother. But what about Second Brother? You’re closest to him. Don’t you care if he’s mistreated?”

Meng Jinyao replied calmly, “Second Brother is now under my mother’s name as a legitimate son. With me protecting him, a stepmother will think twice.”

Meng Jinyu’s face changed.

Meng Jinyao smiled even more. “But you and Third Brother are different. You’d better pray for a gentle and kind stepmother.”

“You—” Meng Jinyu choked.

Meng Jinyao said playfully, “If you don’t want Father to dislike you, don’t speak recklessly. Otherwise, my past will be your future. You know very well what life is like in the Meng family when elders don’t favor you.”

With that, she left without another glance.

Meng Jinyu’s plan failed.

Watching her sister walk away, she stamped her feet in anger.